A brief note on electoral reforms proposed by the State Election Commission.

Election is an integral part of democracy. It is the duty of the State Election Commission to hold free and fair election. The process of election need regular reforms to over come the problems faced during election. The Central Election Commission has brought in many reforms, which are quite essential to have free and fair elections. Even the political parties have expressed their support to these reforms. With this in mind several proposals have been sent to the State Government to amend the necessary acts to make provisions to include electoral reforms. The following are the few important reforms suggested by the State Election Commission.

1. Use of Electronic voting machines

Introduction of electronic voting machines would save time, manpower solves storage problems, prevents invalid votes and facilitates easy counting. It is an eco-friendly measure which saves paper and in turn helps to preserve forest resources.

2. Identification of voters

During elections lot of complaints are received about bogus voting, it is difficult to avoid the menace of bogus voting and impersonation, due to absence of fool proof method of identification of electors and it can be prevented by inserting compulsory production of photo electoral identity cards issued by Election Commission of India or other documents like ration cards, driving licenses etc., issued by Government before issue of ballot papers.

3. Ceiling limit on the election expenditure by the candidates:

Election Commission of India has fixed ceiling on the expenditure incurred by candidates in elections to Assembly and Parliament but the said procedure is not implemented in elections to local bodies thereby enabling affluent candidates to spend more money to influence the voters and eclipse the chances of winning of genuine candidates. Hence, it is the considered view of the State Election Commission that the ceiling limit on the election expenditure by the candidates in election to local bodies will ensure free and fair elections.

Appointment of senior officers as observers by the State Elections Commission would prohibit any influence that may be exercised by candidates and political parties on local officials who are engaged on election duty at the time of local body elections. This system is already in vogue in the Central Election Commission.

5. To ensure uniformity in prohibition of public meetings during elections.

The Representation of Peoples Act provides for prohibition of public campaign and meetings etc., 48 hours before the end of poll which is not so in the relevant acts of local bodies. Hence, it is proposed to bring necessary amendments existing in the act.

6. Registration of Associations and Bodies as Unrecognised registered political parties

The State Election Commission has no powers under the existing acts to recognise political parties. Presently the National parties and the State parties are recognised by the Central Election Commission and the same is being adopted by the State Election Commission. Regarding unrecognised registered political parties the Central Election Commission registers the parties which are having their offices through out the country, which may run in the several hundreds. but, for the sake of convenience the State Election Commission is adopting a policy wherein the parties which have given their registered office address in Karnataka are being treated as unrecognised registered political parties for the State of Karnataka. This is creating problems to the political parties like Samatha party, Shivasena, DMK, AIDMK etc., as they have their registered office outside Karnataka and they are contesting elections in Karnataka and want to claim priority while allotting free symbols. Hence, suitable rules have to be made to empower the State Election Commission to register unrecognised political parties for the State of Karnataka.

7. Expenditure of the State Election Commission shall be charged to the consolidated fund of the State

In the light of 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment, general elections to local bodies shall be held once in 5 years by the State Election Commission and by elections are held as and when the seats become vacant. It is obligatory on the part of the State Election Commission to conduct election in time. To conduct elections funds are required and the State Election Commission has to depend on the State Government for allotment of grants and many times the grants are not received in time and elections could not be conducted as per time schedule. Hence, the expenditure of Commission could be charged to consolidated fund of State as is in vogue in the Central Election Commission.

8. Reservation of Adhyaksha and Upadhyksha seats for the Members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

While electing Grama panchayat members a provision has been made which provides if there is no person belonging to the SC is available to the seat reserved for that category shall also be filled by ST and vice versa. However such a provision is not made to the post of Adhyaksha and Upadyaksha of the Grama panchyat. Hence, about 90 posts of Adhyaksha and Upadyaksha are not filled up. In the interest of social justice it is necessary to extend the provision which is available while electing as a member to that of Adhyaksha and Upadyaksha.